Pharmacy technicians are currently in high demand and will be for the foreseeable future. Not only do pharmacy techs get the opportunity to build a rewarding career in supporting public and individual health, but they also enjoy unprecedented job security as the field continues to grow.
If this career is of interest to you, you’re probably wondering what steps you need to take to get started. For those who want to know how to become a certified pharmacy technician in Illinois, here’s what it will take to make this dream a reality.
What Are the Education Requirements?
A college degree is not required to learn how to become a certified pharmacy technician in Illinois. However, you must be 18 years of age, or 16 with a work permit, and have obtained a high school diploma or GED. If you already meet this requirement, you’ll have less to worry about in terms of how long it will take for you to become a pharmacy technician.
Certification Process in Illinois
Once you have your high school diploma or GED in hand, you can start the process of becoming a certified pharmacy technician in the state of Illinois. Your steps should be as follows:
- Complete a training course approved by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
- Pass an examination accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA)
- Submit your application to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation with all required information and documentation
You will need to pass one of two exams to obtain a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential — the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE), which is issued by the PTCB, or the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT), which is issued by the NHA.
When you have this credential, you can become certified in the state of Illinois.
To prepare for the PTCE or ExCPT, it’s a good idea to get your hands on a few test prep materials. You can purchase guides and books from independent companies or opt for the practice tests and study materials offered by the organization that gives the exam.
State Licensure Requirements
According to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, both the PTCE and the ExCPT meet accreditation standards. Consequently, you don’t have to study for a state-specific exam to learn how to become a certified pharmacy technician in Illinois.
You do, however, need to submit an online application to the state once you have completed your training program and passed the examination.
In your application, you will furnish proof of your high school diploma or GED, a copy of your pharmacy technician education program completion certificate or diploma, proof of passing test scores from the NHA or PTCB, and demographic information such as the date and place of your birth and your Social Security number.
Is On-the-Job Training Required?
You must attend and complete a training course before obtaining your certification from the state of Illinois. Approved training courses are also required to earn a CPhT credential from the NHA or PTCB.
The state of Illinois also requires all pharmacy divisions to maintain their own up-to-date training programs that cover the following:
- The duties and responsibilities of pharmacists and technicians
- Technical skills, policies, and procedures
- Medication compounding, packaging, labeling, and storage
- Pharmaceutical and medical terminology
- Applications of arithmetic calculations
- Record-keeping requirements
If a pharmacy technician doesn’t complete this training at their workplace, the pharmacy must be able to furnish proof that they have completed the training with another approved program or organization.
Employment Outlook and Salary
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 7% growth in the pharmacy technician profession over the next decade. This represents faster-than-average growth, which means that pharmacy technicians in Illinois and beyond can expect significant job security both now and in the future.
Data from the bureau indicates that the median salary for pharmacy technicians was $40,300 per year (or $19.37 per hour) in 2023. The highest-earning 10% in the profession earned more than $57,130, and settings with the highest wages include ambulatory healthcare services, hospitals, and pharmacies located in general merchandise stores.
How RxCe Supports Pharmacy Techs in Illinois With CE Courses Tailored to Your Interests
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation recognizes the importance of ensuring that all pharmacy technicians receive the most up-to-date information on changes in regulations and best practices. This is critical for good patient outcomes and the integrity of the pharmacy.
For this reason, the state requires all pharmacy technicians to complete approved continuing education (CE) courses to maintain certification. CE courses are also required to renew your credential with the NHA or PTCB.
While not required for the very first license renewal, all certified pharmacy technicians must complete 10 hours of CE during each subsequent renewal cycle in the 12 months before their license expires. This includes:
- 1 hour of sexual harassment prevention
- 1 hour of implicit bias awareness training
- 1 hour of cultural competency training
- 1 hour of pharmacy laws, rules, and ethics
- 1 hour of patient safety
RxCe offers a wide range of Illinois-approved CE courses tailored to different pharmacy career interests. Our convenient options are available as standalone courses or through our affordable membership program that costs just $39 for access to all courses and live webinars.
All courses are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) to ensure they meet professional standards.
Enjoy Longevity in Your Career as a Pharmacy Technician
Once you have put in the work to learn how to become a certified pharmacy technician in Illinois, you must do what is necessary to maintain your license and certification. Fortunately, you don’t have to go far to find what you need.
The team at RxCe provides an easy way to earn CE credits on the topics that matter most. Enroll in our membership program today to gain access to our courses and webinars so you can continue your career confidently.
